Media Advisory

What: Quapaw Tribe Performs Traditional Smudging Ceremony at Native Knowledge Sculpture

Where: Riverfront Park – East Side of Junction Bridge

When: Friday, October 19^th, 2012 – 5:00 p.m.

Quapaw Tribal Chairman John Berrey will perform a traditional smudging ceremony at the Native Knowledge sculpture in Riverfront Park tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. This ceremony involves burning herbs such as sage, cedar and sweetgrass. This will be the first Native American ceremony at this iconic sculpture that stands at the beginning of the Quapaw Line. Mr. Berrey will be available for media interviews prior to the ceremony.

Native Knowledge is a tribute to the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw Native American Cultures of Arkansas.  Artist Denny Haskew created this important and relevant piece of work. The three life-size figures are individually titled “Give of Yourself,” “Respect all that is Natural,” and “Observe Nature.” The back sides of these stone panels are etched with graphic designs inspired by pottery from each of the three Native American tribes.

This sculpture was installed and dedicated earlier this year by the non-profit organization, Sculpture at the River Market, which purchased and donated it to the City of Little Rock. This group’s annual fund raiser begins tomorrow and last’s through the weekend.

The 2013 Sculpture at the River Market Show and Sale will kick off at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow with a dedication of another new sculpture at Riverfront Park The Center. Following the smudging ceremony at Native Knowledge at 5:00, a preview party will begin at the River Market Pavilions. Ticket holders get a chance to be the first to see and purchase the sculptures that have been brought in for this show and sale from artists throughout the country. The sculptures range in proportion from life size to those that can fit in the palm of your hand.

The show and sale will be open and free to the public on Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds from this sale go to purchasing more public art for Little Rock. For more information go to www.SculptureattheRiverMarket.com